Spain’s location in the temperate zone lends it a sub-tropical climate almost uniformly throughout the year.
However, the country also experiences a great diversity in climate because of the rugged topography. The Cantabrian Mountains act as a climatic divide for the whole country separating it into two distinct climatic zones, Rainy Spain to the north of the mountains and Dry Spain which lies to the south of the Cantabrian Mountains.
Rainy Spain comprises of the Basque country, Cantabria, Asturias, and Galicia which are situated on the narrow strip on the northern side of the mountains. These regions enjoy a beautiful temperate climate where temperatures vary slightly throughout the year. Summers are cool while winters are not very cold. The name Rainy Spain usually owes its origin to the huge and frequent rainfall that these places experience. However, the climate in these places is reminiscent of that in Western Europe, especially the UK. The Atlantic coast receives much rainfall and so remains cool for the most part of the year. The climate in these regions supports a northern European type of vegetation and hence the region is abundant in sprawling and awe-inspiring National parks. The scenic beauty of the places is par excellence, especially Galicia.
The south of the Cantabria Mountains is termed Dry Spain owing largely to the scanty rainfall and scorching sun that it faces. Huge expanses of blue sky rule out any possibility of rain but the region is prone to occasional fierce thunderstorms which however subside relatively early. However, the weather is quite complex as it is quite diversifying. Inland Spain, which lies in this region, experiences hot summers with temperatures soaring to touch the 35-degree centigrade mark in Seville but otherwise, winters can be quite freezing and temperatures may dip down to the freezing point.
The Mediterranean coast experiences better weather than the Atlantic coast as temperatures are mild year-round. The beaches of Costa Brava, Costa Blanca, and Costa Del Sol enjoy the warm Mediterranean waters and are therefore more popular among tourists who flock here to get a taste of the sun and the sea. The temperatures in these beach regions vary around 20 degrees centigrade. The other tourist attractive beaches of the Balearic Islands of Mallorca, Ibiza, and Menorca do not enjoy similar pleasant climates but the warm waters act as an attraction to tourists. Spain’s other famous tourist appealing destination of Barcelona is favorable for a visit throughout the year but September and October can be quite wet. Madrid is situated at the highest altitude on the European continent and experiences some very unpredictable weather. However, the beautiful destination of Valencia is always safe to visit in the summers as other times of the year can usher in some unexpected rains.
On the whole, the climate of Spain can be diversified into the temperate north and the dry and hot south. The best months to visit Spain are in the summers from April to October. July to August should be best avoided as temperatures throughout the country can become quite scorching with the exception of the coastal regions. But Spain is popular among tourists across the world for its sunny weather and pleasant beaches.